Pacing the Distance

Is it allowed to pace the distance to the hole on a putting green? If so, does one do this on the putting line or alongside the putting line?

Regards


Richard

Hi Rich

Pacing the distance is fine, not something I would do though.

Putting is mostly a feel thing, try looking at every put from all sides for a whole round, you may find this will improve your putting simply by letting your sub-conscious take in all the information your eyes collect.

remember avoid slow play, do this by approching the green from the opposite side of your ball, then by the time you reach your ball you will have looked at the putt from three angles.

Hope this helps.

Ian.

p.s never ground your putter on your line!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm pretty sure you can walk on the line (but stay off your opponents line). However, when you actually putt the ball, make sure you're not on your line.

You make not walk on your line of putt.

Rule 16-1
a. Touching Line of Putt
The line of putt must not be touched except:
(i) the player may remove loose impediments, provided he does not press anything down;
(ii) the player may place the club in front of the ball when addressing it, provided he does not press anything down;
(iii) in measuring - Rule 18-6;
(iv) in lifting the ball - Rule 16-1b;
(v) in pressing down a ball-marker;

Decision 16-1a/12
Q. A player walked on his line of putt. Did he incur a penalty for a breach of Rule 16-1a?

A. Yes, if he did so intentionally. No, if he did so accidentally and the act did not improve the line.

I started pacing the distance on all my putts and it has really helped my putting. I spend 10 min. on the practice greens before teeing off pacing and memorizing 5,10, 15, and 20 step putts. It has really lowered my overall putts.